This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe

This garlic chicken gnocchi skillet is your answer to a comforting, one-pan dinner that’s fast, flavorful, and family-approved. It’s made with juicy chicken thighs, tender potato gnocchi, and a homemade creamy sauce—plus it’s naturally gluten-free when you use the right gnocchi. The best part? It comes together in just 30 minutes from start to finish.

Weeknight meals should be easy without sacrificing flavor, and this garlic chicken gnocchi skillet proves that. Everything cooks in one pan—chicken, veggies, sauce, and gnocchi—so cleanup is a breeze. With a balanced mix of protein, vegetables, and creamy pasta, this is a complete meal that satisfies every craving.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

There’s a reason this garlic chicken gnocchi skillet has become a go-to in so many kitchens. It’s simple, customizable, and packed with comforting flavors.

● One-pan perfection
Everything cooks in one skillet—from seared chicken to the sauce and vegetables.

● Gluten-free made easy
Just swap in your favorite gluten-free gnocchi and follow the same steps.

● Big flavor, minimal effort
Seasoned chicken, sautéed mushrooms, and garlic cream sauce make it feel gourmet without the work.

● Ready in 30 minutes
Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish saves time without cutting corners on taste.

Ingredients for Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

This recipe is all about pantry staples and fresh ingredients. Just make sure your gnocchi is labeled gluten-free if needed.

Chicken and Pasta

● 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs – seasoned with salt, pepper, and paprika

● 1 pound potato gnocchi – cooked and drained (use gluten-free gnocchi)

Vegetables

● 1 medium yellow onion, diced

● 1 cup white mushrooms, diced

● 3 cups baby spinach

● 2 tablespoons minced garlic

Sauce Base

● 5 tablespoons butter or ghee – divided

● 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

● 1 cup chicken broth

● ½ cup half and half – or heavy cream for extra richness

● ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Optional Garnish

● Chopped fresh parsley

● Shredded parmesan cheese

● Red pepper chili flakes

Ingredient Notes

• Gnocchi: Gluten-free versions are widely available. Cook it separately before adding it to the skillet.

• Chicken thighs: Juicier and more flavorful than breast, but both work. Cut into even sizes for quicker cooking.

• Butter or ghee: Both create a silky base. Ghee adds a slightly deeper flavor.

• Mozzarella: Helps thicken the sauce and adds stretch. For extra richness, add a sprinkle of parmesan.

 

How to Make Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Step by Step

This garlic chicken gnocchi skillet is as easy as it is comforting. With just one pan and a few basic steps, you’ll have a full dinner on the table in 30 minutes or less. Let’s walk through the process so you can get it just right every time.

Step 1 – Cook the Gnocchi

Start by boiling the gnocchi according to the package directions. This usually takes about 2–3 minutes. Once they float, they’re ready. Drain them and set aside.

Tip: You can do this step while preparing the chicken to save time.

Step 2 – Season and Cook the Chicken

Pat the chicken thighs dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.

In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter or ghee over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken thighs.

Cook for 5–10 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until golden brown and fully cooked. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 3 – Sauté the Veggies

In the same skillet, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter. Scrape up any brown bits left from the chicken for extra flavor.

Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, diced onion, and mushrooms. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until the onions are soft and the mushrooms are browned but still tender.

Step 4 – Build the Cream Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and whisk for about 1 minute, allowing it to heat and blend with the pan juices.

Slowly whisk in the half and half, keeping the sauce moving to prevent curdling. Add the shredded mozzarella and continue to whisk until melted and smooth—about 2–3 minutes.

Step 5 – Combine Everything

Add the cooked gnocchi and fresh spinach into the skillet. Stir to combine everything with the sauce. Taste and adjust with additional salt or pepper if needed.

Place the chicken thighs back into the skillet. Nestle them between the gnocchi and spinach so they’re partly submerged in the sauce.

Let everything simmer for 2–3 minutes to warm through and allow the flavors to meld.

Serving Suggestions

The beauty of this garlic chicken gnocchi skillet is that it’s a full meal on its own. Still, if you want to round it out, here are a few pairing ideas:

● Fresh green salad with balsamic dressing
● Garlic-roasted asparagus
● Crispy gluten-free breadsticks
● Grated parmesan and red pepper flakes on top for extra flavor

Serve warm, directly from the skillet into shallow bowls. Garnish with chopped parsley, parmesan, or red chili flakes if you’d like a little heat.

Storage and Reheating Tips

This garlic chicken gnocchi skillet makes excellent leftovers and holds up well for meal prep.

To store:

• Let the skillet cool completely before storing.

• Divide into airtight containers.

• Refrigerate for up to 4 days.

To reheat:

• Warm in a skillet over medium-low heat with 1–2 tablespoons of water or broth to loosen the sauce.

• You can also reheat in the microwave, covered, for 1–2 minutes per serving.

Pro tip: Add a sprinkle of fresh cheese or a touch of cream when reheating to refresh the flavor and texture.

Variations and Substitutions for Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

This garlic chicken gnocchi skillet is flexible, which makes it easy to adjust for your taste, dietary needs, or what you already have in your kitchen.

Make It Dairy-Free

● Use dairy-free butter or olive oil instead of butter or ghee
● Swap half and half with unsweetened oat milk and add 1 teaspoon of cornstarch to thicken
● Replace mozzarella with dairy-free shredded cheese or nutritional yeast for a savory flavor

Protein Swaps

● Substitute chicken thighs with boneless chicken breasts
● Try Italian sausage or shrimp for a different flavor profile
● For a vegetarian version, use chickpeas or tofu instead

Add More Veggies

You can load up this skillet with even more vegetables. Here are some options that blend well with the creamy sauce:

● Zucchini or bell peppers
● Kale instead of spinach
● Sun-dried tomatoes for tangy richness

Gnocchi Tips

If you’re making this garlic chicken gnocchi skillet gluten-free, always check the label. Popular gluten-free gnocchi brands include:

• DeLallo Gluten-Free Potato Gnocchi

• Capello’s Almond Flour Gnocchi

• Trader Joe’s Cauliflower Gnocchi (pan-fry before adding for best texture)

Follow the cooking instructions on the package and make sure not to overcook, as gluten-free gnocchi can turn mushy if boiled too long.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an approximate breakdown of one serving of garlic chicken gnocchi skillet (based on 4 servings total):

Note: Values may vary based on the specific brands and substitutions you use.

Final Thoughts on Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

If you’re looking for a cozy, flavorful meal that’s ready in 30 minutes, this garlic chicken gnocchi skillet checks every box. It’s creamy, comforting, naturally gluten-free, and versatile enough to adapt for nearly any diet or flavor preference.

Whether you’re cooking for a busy family, prepping weekday lunches, or just need something satisfying without the stress, this skillet dinner delivers every time.

Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe Card

Ingredients

Chicken and Pasta

● 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs

● 1 pound potato gnocchi (gluten-free if needed)

● 1.5 teaspoons paprika

● Salt and black pepper to taste

Vegetables

● 1 medium yellow onion, diced

● 1 cup white mushrooms, diced

● 3 cups baby spinach

● 2 tablespoons garlic, minced

Sauce Base

● 5 tablespoons butter or ghee, divided

● 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

● 1 cup chicken broth

● ½ cup half and half (or heavy cream)

● ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Garnish (Optional)

● Chopped fresh parsley

● Shredded parmesan

● Red pepper chili flakes

Instructions

1. Cook the gnocchi according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

2. Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and paprika.

3. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs and cook for 5–10 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.

4. Melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter in the skillet. Add garlic, Italian seasoning, onion, and mushrooms. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until tender.

5. Whisk in the chicken broth, scraping up brown bits. Simmer for 1 minute.

6. Slowly add half and half while whisking, followed by the shredded mozzarella. Cook 2–3 minutes until sauce thickens.

7. Stir in the cooked gnocchi and spinach. Add chicken back into the skillet. Let simmer 2–3 minutes until heated through.

8. Garnish with parsley, parmesan, or chili flakes if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

• Use certified gluten-free gnocchi for dietary needs.

• Chicken breasts or sausage can be substituted.

• To make dairy-free, use dairy-free butter, cream, and cheese.

• This garlic chicken gnocchi skillet also reheats well for meal prep.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving, Approximate)

Recipe Summary

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 25 minutes

• Total Time: 40 minutes

• Method: Skillet

• Cuisine: American

• Servings: 4

• Calories: 460 kcal

• Yield: 1 large skillet (4 servings)